H.R.140 — Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act
House Roll Call
H.R.140
| Bill | H.R.140 — Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act |
|---|---|
| Vote question | On Motion to Recommit |
| Vote type | Yea-and-Nay |
| Result | Failed |
| Totals | Yea 204 / Nay 218 / Present 0 / Not Voting 13 |
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R | 0 | 218 | 0 | 4 |
| D | 204 | 0 | 0 | 9 |
| I | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Research Brief
On Motion to Recommit
Bill Analysis
Bill Summary: HR 140 - Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act
The Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act (HR 140) aims to safeguard First Amendment rights by prohibiting federal government officials from engaging in actions that would restrict or interfere with individuals’ speech, particularly on social media platforms. The bill specifically targets government entities and officials who may attempt to influence, censor, or regulate speech based on its content or viewpoint.
Key Provisions:
Prohibition of Interference: The bill prohibits federal officials from compelling social media companies to remove or restrict content based on the viewpoint expressed. This includes any direct or indirect actions that could lead to censorship or suppression of speech.
Legal Recourse: Individuals whose speech has been affected by government interference may seek legal remedies. This includes the right to file lawsuits against federal officials who violate the provisions of the bill.
Reporting Requirements: The bill mandates that federal agencies report any communications with social media companies regarding content moderation or removal to ensure transparency and accountability.
Funding and Authorities: While the bill does not allocate specific funding, it establishes a framework that may require agencies to adjust their operations to comply with the new prohibitions. The Department of Justice may see an increase in cases related to violations of this act.
Affected Programs and Agencies: The bill primarily impacts federal agencies involved in communications, technology, and social media oversight, including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Beneficiaries: The primary beneficiaries of this legislation are individuals and organizations that utilize social media for expression, including activists, journalists, and everyday users who may face censorship.
Key Timelines: HR 140 was introduced in the House and has been received in the Senate, where it was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for further consideration. The timeline for further action remains to be determined as it progresses through the legislative process.
Yea (204)
C
Colin Allred
E
Earl Blumenauer
J
Jamaal Bowman
C
Cori Bush
Y
Yadira Caraveo
T
Tony Cárdenas
M
Matt Cartwright
D
David Cicilline
G
Gerald Connolly
J
Jason Crow
L
Lloyd Doggett
A
Anna Eshoo
R
Ruben Gallego
J
John Garamendi
R
Raúl Grijalva
B
Brian Higgins
J
Jeff Jackson
S
Sheila Jackson Lee
D
Daniel Kildee
D
Derek Kilmer
A
Ann Kuster
B
Barbara Lee
K
Kathy Manning
L
Lucy McBath
G
Grace Napolitano
W
Wiley Nickel
B
Bill Pascrell
D
Donald Payne
M
Mary Peltola
K
Katie Porter
C
C. Ruppersberger
J
John Sarbanes
A
Abigail Spanberger
E
Eric Swalwell
R
Rashida Tlaib
D
David Trone
N
Nydia Velázquez
D
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
J
Jennifer Wexton
S
Susan Wild
Nay (218)
K
Kelly Armstrong
D
Dan Bishop
K
Ken Buck
L
Larry Bucshon
M
Michael Burgess
K
Ken Calvert
J
Jerry Carl
L
Lori Chavez-DeRemer
A
Anthony D'Esposito
J
John Duarte
J
Jeff Duncan
A
A. Ferguson
S
Scott Franklin
M
Matt Gaetz
M
Mike Gallagher
M
Mike Garcia
B
Bob Good
K
Kay Granger
G
Garret Graves
M
Mark Green
B
Bill Johnson
D
Doug Lamborn
J
Jake LaTurner
D
Debbie Lesko
B
Blaine Luetkemeyer
K
Kevin McCarthy
L
Lisa McClain
M
Marcus Molinaro
A
Alexander Mooney
G
Greg Pence
B
Bill Posey
C
Cathy Rodgers
M
Matthew Rosendale
J
John Rutherford
G
George Santos
D
David Schweikert
P
Pete Sessions
M
Michelle Steel
C
Chris Stewart
M
Michael Waltz
B
Brad Wenstrup
B
Brandon Williams
